Pet Trust Lawyer Rachel Hirschfeld Has Advice for Trouble

The Helmsley Organization took out a big full-page ad in today’s WSJ paying tribute to Leona Helmsley, who died last month at the age of 87. And that got us thinking, we should weigh in on this controversy surrounding her dog. Whaddya know — the New York Post has a story today on just that.

The Post interviews Rachel Hirschfeld (pictured), who on her Web site — www.trustpetlawyer.com — calls herself a pet-trust lawyer. For more pictures of Rachel and her pets, click here.

Hirschfeld, according to the Post, says Helmsley’s dog, Trouble, is getting short shrifted by Helmsley’s lawyers and family. “It’s outrageous what’s happening here,” Hirschfeld told the Post, citing a report that Helmsley’s Maltese isn’t even living with the man Helmsley asked to take care of her. Trouble, who was reportedly left $12 million by Helmsley, is still is living in Helmsley’s Connecticut home, being cared for by the hired help.

Helmsley’s brother has reportedly turned down Leona’s request to take care of Trouble, and Hirschfeld tells the Post that the judge handling Helmsley’s estate should appoint Trouble her own lawyer to make sure her rights are protected and Helmsley’s wishes are carried out. Apparently, appointing a lawyer for the dog would be unusual, but not unprecedented.

Hirschfeld also criticized Helmsley’s lawyers for not being well-versed in pet law. She cited Helmsley’s desire in her to have the dog be buried with her, something that’s not allowed. Asked Hirschfeld: “What kind of estate lawyer doesn’t know you can’t bury a pet in a human cemetery?”

Law Blog Question of the Day: Hey Law Blog readers, is Hirschfeld’s “pet trust lawyer” practice unique? Do you know of other instances of lawyers appointed to represent pooches?

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The Law Blog covers the legal arena’s hot cases, emerging trends and big personalities. It’s brought to you by lead writer Jacob Gershman with contributions from across The Wall Street Journal’s staff. Jacob comes here after more than half a decade covering the bare-knuckle politics of New York State. His inside-the-room reporting left him steeped in legal and regulatory issues that continue to grab headlines.

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